Tech details for 2014 Mini emerge

MINI has released technical details, including powertrains, for its third-generation hatch ahead of its official global debut on November 18 at the company’s factory in Oxford.

The BMW-owned British brand will introduce three new Euro 6-compliant engines that the company says will “optimise the balance between driving thrills and fuel consumption yet again”.

For the first time, Mini will introduce a three-cylinder petrol engine to its line-up, with the 1.5-litre unit capable of producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque.

A more powerful petrol engine will also be available at the global launch – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder pumping out 141kW and 280Nm of torque, or 300Nm with the overboost.

On the diesel front, Mini will offer a 1.5-litre four-cylinder oil-burner producing 85kW and 270Nm, providing a 7 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the outgoing model. This points to an approximate fuel economy figure of 3.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The less powerful 1.5-litre petrol unit marks a 10kW/60Nm boost over the 90kW/160Nm 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in the current Mini hatch.

Meanwhile, the new 2.0-litre engine pips the 135kW/240Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre unit (by 6kW/40Nm) from the existing Mini Cooper S that was co-produced by Peugeot and Citroen’s French parent company PSA and BMW.

Each of the new petrol powertrains includes ‘TwinPower’ turbo technology that features turbocharging, direct injection, variable camshaft control and variable valve control in the more powerful versions.

Mini’s new common-rail diesel engines also feature a turbocharger and the latest direct injection system.

New manual and automatic transmissions will be introduced with the third-generation Mini. The manual gearbox will feature a gear sensor which adapts the engine speed when changing gears. Automatic engine idle-stop technology will be offered with automatic variants.

The spring and damper settings for the new model have been optimised, and Mini will introduce adjustable dampers for the first time, allowing the driver to choose between a sporty or more comfortable ride.

The Mini will be be fitted with electro-mechanical power steering, more aerodynamic light alloy wheels and roll-friction reduced tyres that all contribute to reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The 2014 Mini will built on the BMW Group’s new UKL1 front- and all-wheel-drive platform that will also underpin BMW’s front-drive Compact Active Tourer hatch that is likely to debut next year.

Despite growing in size, Mini says the new-generation retro hatch will actually be lighter than the previous model, thanks to the use of high-tensile steels and aluminium.

The Mini maintains characteristics for which it is well known, such as a low centre of gravity, short overhangs, rigid bodywork, wide track and lightweight design, and the company says the redesigned chassis will “make for even more precise and sporty handling”.

Safety improvements include the addition of an active bonnet that automatically rises in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.

The new model will be revealed in full next month in England and looks set to arrive in Australian showrooms around March or April 2014.